11 Things

My cousin tagged me in a survey post a couple weeks ago, and now I am finally getting around to doing it. I absolutely love these kinds of posts!


Here are the rules:
1. Post these rules
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them that you’ve tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

11 Randoms About Me

1. Over the course of my life, I have received quite a few questions about my collar bones. For some reason they intrigue people. I guess it is because they are very noticeable and slightly uneven. Someone asked a long time ago if I had been in an accident... nope. A child one time asked, "What are those?!" Um, my bones... haha
2. While I love traveling, I actually think taking care of the home should be the first priority. Traveling happens every so often but home is where you are most of the time. Home should be comfortable, healthy and refreshing.
3. I love making up my own words to describe events or my reaction to something. Like wonky (okay maybe this one is a real word?! I swear it's mine!), flangily, flangey, tangily.... 
4. Years ago I picked out the names for my future children. I still love those names-- perhaps if I decide to adopt someday I will use them. Laugh all you want but if I have a daughter she will be named Ariel Michelle. ;-)
5. My comforter needs to be on me in order to sleep (usually use a lighter comforter in the summer). I need that heaviness on me. Also, cannot sleep with sheets-- only a comforter and blanket on top if necessary.
6. One of my two front teeth is slightly longer than the other. I have such a quirky body! haha
7. I love the smell of grapefruit but can't stand the taste.
8. While I am not into horoscopes and things of that nature, I find it fascinating how I am like my sign (Aquarius).
9. For a long time I was opposed to the cheetah/leopard/animal print but I think it can be cute depending on how it is used in the outfit.
10. I can't use lotions with heavy fragrances anymore -- like those from Bath and Body Works. I can use Vanilla and Cucumber scent lotions from them, however. I was using a lovely smell, Secret Wonderland, for awhile but then it started giving me headaches. 
11. I'm like a pendulum when it comes to living naturally. I go through periods where I don't like to spend money on natural products because they cost more, but then I have times where I am appalled at mass produced products. Currently, I am switching back to using natural body care products (Yes to Carrots is awesome!).

Elizabeth's 11 Questions for Me:

1. Favorite meal to cook at home? Hm.. that is a toss up between Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Vegetable Ziti. They're both delicious! The ziti is the faster meal to cook even though it requires time to chop up the veggies.


2. Favorite item in your wardrobe? Good question. I love my two new blazers, but I think I'll have to say my plaid shirt (s). Yeah, hard to be singular in this one ;-)


3. If you could go anywhere in the past or to an ideal location for a week starting tomorrow... where would you go and why? Well, I'm not sure how this will work but one of my favorite times was the Brew Festival in July last year. I spent the day with two of my friends and we all brought our guys. I had a wonderful time hanging out with everyone, in the warm summer sunshine, and feeling totally relaxed. I think what I liked best about that day was how I felt. I was being myself and very happy (I seriously smiled ear to ear! haha).  I would be happy if I could feel that way for a week or have that memory last a week (I'd be cool w/o the beer though).


4. If you could sit down with someone "famous" past or present for dinner, who would it be and why? Ooo lots of options here so this is another tough one. I think the child in me would have to say Amelia Earhart. When I was younger, I read lots of books about her and was fascinated with her desire to do something all by herself. While there is lots of information out there, I would love to have dinner with her to discuss the intimate details of why she loved flying so much, how it made her feel, and why she really wanted to fly solo around the world. I'd love to hear Amelia's life through her own voice. I would also make sure she got hooked up with a great GPS so we could find her and figure out where she crashed ;-) Oh the mystery!


5. Most influential person in your life? My answer will always be the same for this question: my maternal grandparents. Both wonderful in their individual ways.


6. One of the coolest things you've learned from FB, blogging or Pinterest? Heavens and Earth! How am I supposed to narrow it down to one?! haha Alright, one of my favorite things is all of the Mason jar ideas. They are such useful jars!! You can spray paint them, use them as vases, candle holders, as a way to organize  q-tips and cotton balls, as a way to plant and grow plants.... you name it!


7. Most interesting animal you can think of on the planet? If you know me, you should be able to anticipate my answer.... peacocks!!!!! Love them!! A rainbow on a bird. How awesome is that?!!


8. The song that takes you back to high school every time? Funny thing is I hear these songs on the radio quite a bit these days: "She Will Be Loved" / "This Love" by Maroon 5 ... oh and "Photograph" by Nickelback.


9. You have $500,000 to give to charity-- who would you give it to? Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan's Purse). I'd make sure it went directly to that charity, 100% to the kids!


10. Red high heeled shoes or leopard print flats? Leopard print flats!!


11. Preferred way to spend 3pm? In my sweat pants/PJs and sweatshirt, munching on a good snack. If I'm subbing, I am usually getting ready to leave school at this time (though it depends on where I am and how much grading I need to do!).

11 Questions for YOU:

1. What is one of your favorite quotes?

2. Your guilty pleasure?

3. What is your favorite outfit to wear?

4. Have you tried or are planning to do an idea you learned via Pinterest? If you tried something, were you pleased with the results?

5. Have you been out of the country before?

6. What three items are most valuable to you? Why?

7. How do you deal with stress? 

8. What kind of exercise do you enjoy?

9. Who inspires you? Why?

10. Do you have any specific goals for this year? If so, how do you feel that you're doing in accomplishing them?

11. What do you like to do in your free time?

Tagging 11

Andrea, Lauren, Natalie, Nikki, Sara, Milk and Cuddles, Aimee, Sage, Julie, Shawn, & Megan

Can't wait to read everyone's 11 Things!

*I am trying out the scheduled post-- when this posts I'll be at school subbing :) 

February Photo Challenge

I've always wanted to do a photo challenge and I came across this one on Pinterest. I Googled to see if there were other challenges for this month, but seems like this is the popular one to do! I'll post today's picture later :)

Photo Challenge Link Up 

Check out this lady's blog, "Fat Mum Slim," she's a mother and wife who lives in Australia. Pretty cool!

Fashion Blogs I'm Currently Following

As I stated in my goals for this year, one of them is to become more fashionable. I want to make better choices about clothes I buy and feel good about what I'm wearing. I tend to wear the same type of outfit for work, running errands, and various casual days. Anyway... it is time for a change. I feel inspired this year to improve in this area -- thanks to Pinterest and the wonderful fashion blogs I have been following.

Charmed in PDX -- Courtney is a fun gal, who is my age and lives in PDX too. I love how she puts together outfits using button up shirts, fun accessories, cardigans, sweaters, thin belts, and all sorts of other lovely things. Because of her style, I think I am going to invest in some button up shirts (which I have always loved anyway). I'm excited to see her outfits this year! I found her via the little things we do.

J's Everyday Fashion -- I recently found this blog via Pinterest. Someone had pinned her post about how to wear cardigans and I just HAD to check her blog out! I'm a follower now :) I like how she makes current fashion trends her own and her funny anecdotes. J is a fashion stylist who plays around with the leopard print, different textures, and all kinds of colors. She's a little more risky that I'll ever be (I will never be able to pull off mustard colored jeans! haha) and creates great outfits!

Kendi Everyday -- I'm not quite sure where I found this blog first, I think saw it listed on Charmed in PDX's blog. Anyway, I love this lady too! I love her sense of humor and outfits she creates. She posts great quality pictures (a lil about her, she says this, "Two years ago, I followed my husband to his hometown and instead of having a baby..."). Recently one of her outfits featured colored blocking with two bright colors, very fun!

Lilly's Style -- I found her via Pinterest. I see her outfits pinned all of the time. I think the reason for that is she has a very reasonable style and because she tells where you can buy similar or exact items that she's wearing. She has fun mixing things up with blazers, thin belts, button up shirts, sweaters, cute high heels/boots and all other wonderful clothing items. I could easily replicate many of her outfits and I love that about her style. I just wished she showed her pretty face more though! 

This Chick's Got Style -- This is the very first fashion blog I started following, well over a year ago. Yara is a neat young lady, about my age, and lives in Amsterdam. She's a fashion editor at Elle and has had her blog featured in lots of big magazines around Europe. Her style is edgy and simple. I love her clear vivid photography style as well. Fun blog!

What Kate Wore -- I just love, love, love this blog! I will admit, happily, that I am a huge Kate Middleton fan. I think we're sisters at heart (haha), as we both love cream and navy blue/blues. I love how she dresses ladylike, which of course is required, but does it with her own pizazz. This blog does a fab job of following her fashion and helps us get to know the Duchess a little better. The author of the blog is great at being professional and appropriate in talking about Kate and I like that very much.

the little things we do -- Thanks to a cousin I got introduced to this blog and I really enjoy reading it. Lauren's blog is a mixture of posts about her life (she recently had a darling baby girl), fashion (love her somewhat funky & simple style-- very PNWish), simplicity and many other great topics. I love that Lauren is a fellow PDX-er! On most Fridays she does this great post called "Fill in the Blank Friday" and anyone who wants to can follow along and link up. Check her out!

Alrighty... so there you have it! If you want to feel inspired on spicing up your wardrobe, I suggest you check these ladies out. If you have any fashion favs, share 'em! I always enjoy checking new ones out. :) 

Happy Sunday!!!

Currently:: On January's Last Friday

For fun I am doing one of these survey type things. Flower Patch Farmgirl had posted hers a while ago, which she got from Life So Sweet (from this post).

Currently...

current guilty pleasure: Angry Birds on my phone-- not as addicted when I first got the game but every now I get a good hankering to play the game. Finally got past a hard level last night. I am so cool folks. ;-)
current nail color: left over clear gel from my manicure I got for my sister's wedding. That gel stuff is amazing but impossible to get off with regular remover. Can only imagine the chemicals I've ingested from that polish. *shudder*
current playlist: mostly listen to music when I'm in the car so the radio which is either country or a modern day mix station. 
current read:  Julie Andrews' biography
current drink: Starbucks hot chocolate... perfect for a cold night!
current food: dinner tonight was Panda Express, delicious.
current favorite show: "Biggest Loser" - this season isn't as good as the others though.
current wish list: clothes... scarves, sweaters, and other fun stylish items.
current needs: new shoes and pants for work-- have rotated 2 pairs of shoes and 3 slacks since 2009... definitely time for a change.
current triumphs: finished my reading endorsement practicum on Friday!!
current bane of my existence: related to above-- now I have to do the paperwork stuff.
current celebrity crush: Emma Stone from "The Help," she is a cute gal (obviously not romantically speaking)... for the boys, John Krasinski from "The Office." I love his nerdy-likeness, button up shirts and coy smile.
current indulgence: Jello's Tapioca Pudding... can't get enough!
current blessing: sunshine today :)
current outfit: right now I am SUPER lazy because it is nearing bedtime-- black sweats and a sweatshirt. I also have my pink fleece blanket over my legs because I'm chilly.
current excitement: meeting a friend, an "ex-neighbor," tomorrow at a cute cupcake shop. I can't wait to take some fun pictures!
current mood: tired and almost in a blah mood, I have felt a lil anxious today for some reason.
current link: I have found a couple great fashion blogs recently. One of them is J's Everyday Fashion. I love her humor, honesty and her fun style. She recently posted about her fashion fails and it made me laugh-- as I'm trying to dig my way out of my non-stylish ways. We've all been there!

Happy Friday!

Fill in the Blank Friday: Free Time

Happy Friday everyone! 

Amazing, just a week ago I was hanging out in the hotel as it was the night before the wedding. Tonight, I am sitting in the green chair with Cheese Puff snuggled next to me (he thinks he owns this chair and does everything he can to take up the space) and Sarah is on the couch with cheeks bigger than a chipmunk's (she had her wisdom teeth out yesterday). Life is pretty darn exciting here and I like it... haha :)

Lauren's theme this week is free time. A glorious topic! I have had some of that this week and it has been really nice, also part of the reason why I got started on my big simplifying project. It's been a good week!

Credit: Lauren at "The Little Things We Do"

1. One of my favorite things to do when I have free time is to move slowly in the morning and take my time getting ready for the day. I love waking up and sitting in my bed for as long as I can (even better if there's a kitty resting in there with me!).

2. When I have free time I tend to spend more time on the computer than I should...

3. If I had an entire day completely to myself I would definitely spend quality time on Pinterest and catch up on blogs that I follow. Then I would, preferably with B, go to our favorite restaurant that serves amazing soup (and the prices are so, so good!) and other delicious treats. I would also get some frozen yogurt because I am addicted to that stuff :) Yes, I too, would eat a whole lot on my ideal day off. Hmm.. I would most likely spend time with a good friend and do a little shopping. End the day with a good meal, maybe watch something on TV and cozy up in my bed, only to dream of doing it all again!

4. I would prefer to spend my free time (alone or with others)... Both. I always like to have some time to myself, but then once I am satisfied with my alone time I am ready to be with others. I enjoy my time with family members and friends. I like to spend a good amount of time with Jennifer if she is available.

5. Most my free time happens at various times... This week has been fairly low-key, but I start my practicum on Monday and then free time will happen on the weekends. 

6. The best thing about free time is getting to have control of what you want to do. I love it when I don't have to worry about getting from one place to the next.

7. The next time I have free time I should probably clean my room, continue my January Organization Project and read (I have a huge book stack on my nightstand!) but instead, I will probably use the day for running errands or avoiding my room (might get other things cleaned up haha). We shall see!

Fill in the Blank Friday: Holidays

credit: Lauren @ the little things we do

It is Friday folks! Happy, happy Friday! Also, this is the second day of a brand new month, December. Sheesh, last month of this crazy year... I wonder if we (being those of us in the PNW) will see that lovely white stuff any day soon...

Well, I am following along with Lauren this week at her blog "the little things we do" and doing her "Fill in the Blank Friday" post. She has the cutest blog and is a great writer, I am glad that my cousin "introduced" me to her.

With that said, here are the blanks and my answers!

1. The holiday season is mostly enjoyable, filled with fun moments, colorful lights, decorations, beautiful church services, reflection on the year, and to be reminded of hope.


2. Snow makes me very happy! I absolutely love it when school is cancelled and the city shuts down. People may look at Portland/PNW as a giant snow wimp, but I say-- we know how to enjoy a good snow day (or more if we are lucky, yeah Dec '08 was amazing!). :-)

3. The best comfort food to eat when it is cold out is soup, stew, roasts, basically anything in the Crockpot, and good tasting bread to go along with it all. Sounds like a bear's diet huh?

4. Winter is the best time for being cozy and connected to home. Great time to drink tea and hot chocolate, snuggle on the couch and relax in the light of the Christmas tree.


5. I can hardly wait for a break! Ever since the end of October I have been going, going, going non-stop. I will be happy to have the semester done, and a break from my wonderful jobs. I love 'em but do need to get refreshed.


6. When it comes to holiday gifts, I prefer to surprise others and make them feel special. Each year I love giving to people more and more. I also like to donate to those I don't know as well. There are so many organizations and charities that need money or supplies. Trying to pick two or three to donate to this month.


7. If I were to rate my excitement about the holiday season on a scale from 1-10, I would say I am at about a 6. I have a lot going on right now and haven't been able to focus on the Christmas season. Not only am I finishing up the semester and working, but there is the added excitement and busyness of wedding planning (for my sister)! With her wedding at the end of this month, we are making sure everything is all ready.  Would like to get a few relaxing moments once school and a sub job is finished-- I am hoping! :)

Here's to hoping your December and Christmas Season is filled with blessings, joy, and good times!

Fall Theme ~ Fill in the Blank Friday

Happy Friday!

I loved the "Fill in the Blank Friday" post for this week by The Little Things We Do. To go along with my love of this season I thought I would do this fun post!

Fill in the Blank Friday

gorgeous fall street right near where I work

1. Nothing says Fall like the changing leaves. I love all of the colors, especially the bright yellow trees. When the light hits them just right they can look golden. So exciting to see so many colors this time of year!


2. My favorite autumnal tradition is decorating the house. I love dressing up our fireplace mantel with our bronze colored sash (from a cousin's wedding!) and using a few other items to spruce it up. I also put up some of our paper decorations on the walls and spread around our other cute "trinkets."


3. My favorite Fall treat is PUMPKIN PIE!


4. Fall makes me think of nesting because it is a cozy season. This particular season in my life I have been feeling a lot more in tune with making a house a home - guess it is just from all the craziness of this year and wanting home to feel good. I also look forward to the day of living on my own and creating my own space! .... And Pinterest is to blame for some of this ;-)

5. Autumn free form association, go! Golden/yellow leaves, multicolored trees/leaves/vegetation, school, produce stores, pumpkins & patches, corn mazes, hay rides, fresh cool breezes, bronzey & sometimes golden light from the sun (such a funny angle it is at this time of year), family time, Thanksgiving, pies, lots of food, blankets, tea, oh yeah -- running.... 


6. My go-to outfit in the Fall is um, truthfully I don't have a go-to outfit for any season (working on that- anyone want to style me?! I have improved but...).... though I will say I love my flats, dark bootcut jeans, and layers - always a sweater of some sort. The Northwest is so unpredictable!


7. My favorite Fall holiday is (Halloween or Thanksgiving) without question, Thanksgiving. When I was in my undergrad days I really gained appreciation for this special holiday. 1) because of the FOOD... yes, I did eat well at college but let me tell you, family food tasted so wonderful to me during those years  2) getting a chance to catch up and relax with extended family members. To this day I feel pretty much the same about Thanksgiving but I focus more on family than the food. I also understand more and more how much I have to be thankful for. :)

What I Am Into, Summer 2011

As it is officially the first day of Fall tomorrow, I thought I better record some things about this summer. This season has gone by quickly and now we are about to transition. I am ready for the most part and hopeful that this Fall will be a peaceful cozy season.

So, with that said, here is what I have been into this Summer. I got this idea from my cousin at Simply Authentic, and she got it from Sorta Crunchy (who "stole it" from Adventures in Babywearing's post). I love blogging! Ideas circulate pretty darn fast on here. I always love it when I find fun posts like this.

What I Am Into ~ Summer 2011

On My Nightstand:
 Home: A Memoir of My Early Years by Julie Andrews... been working on this for over 2 months. I love it but I have not had much time to read nor the focus.. haha Attempting to getting back in the reading routine!

Want to Read:
This list is incredibly long! I would love to read more books on living simply and eating healthy. Also, my favorites are biographies/autobiographies. However, after finishing Julie Andrews' book I have these on my nightstand as well, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (my friend Jennifer wants me to read this series, apparently it is much better quality than Twilight...not hard to believe!), God in the Alley by Greg Paul (a book from a cousin), and then Never Have Your Dog Stuffed by Alan Alda (he has another book out too- love this guy, I am a big fan of MASH).

TV Show Worth Watching:
Uh, honestly I didn't watch much TV this summer. My family and I tend to watch shows on DVD. If I had more time (or desire- I watch TV more in the Fall & Spring) I probably would have watched "So You Think You Can Dance" - it is a neat show to watch.

Movie I've Seen (in or out of the theater):
"One Day" starring Anne Hathaway. I loved this movie! It was a book made into a movie- it is more of a "dark chick flick." I will admit, it made me get a little choked up.... haha

In My Kitchen: Well, in our kitchen there are lots of tomatoes. Yay for a great tomato season!!!

In My Ears: Mostly country music but lately I have been listening to this new modern music radio station (basically pop culture type). I have decided though that I do like Adele. She has an interesting voice.

Newest Blog/Internet Reads:
Hmm.. Haven't really come across any new reads this summer . I always like finding different blogs to follow. I am sure I will in the next few months (especially when I am procrastinating on homework and browsing Blogger!). I already follow several blogs but I don't always keep up to date with every single one. Right now I am consistently reading Domestically Challenged, Flower Patch Farmgirl (she is so inspiring, funny and honest. Love her writing style), Going Home to Roost, Simple Frugalista, and a few fashion blogs.

What I Am Looking Forward to Next Month:
Beautiful fall colors (I hope! Let it be a good photography season!)
More subbing experience, have a few jobs lined up for the month. :)
Fall foods-- soups, stews, pumpkin foods, warm drinks
Fall scents-- love love love the smell of fall: cinnamon, pumpkin spice, cranberry... all great candle scents!
Seeing how my new cats adjust to the colder weather; should be amusing.

Hope you all have had a great Summer 2011! Here's to a Happy Fall 2011!

A Fun Friday Post!

My cousin Simply Authentic took part it in a fun Friday blog post called "Fill in the Blank Friday" created by Lauren, at The Little Things We Do. Since I haven't had much time to write this week, I thought this would be a good post. Join in if you would like :)

Fill in the Blank Friday

1) You should always take the time to take pictures, important to capture those special moments in nature/time/with people (or whatever catches your eye!). You can't ever go back to the past and get those pictures again.


2) Cats & sunshine make(s) the world a happier place.

3) I can hardly wait *to be done with grad school (Dec 2012!) & *to pay off my student loans.


4) Any day I can set my own schedule/routine is my favorite day of the week.

5) Something totally dumb and ridiculous that I love is The Hills (MTV show).

6) If I could, I would make sure that all children in the world receive good quality education & have their basic needs met.


7) I rather like where I live. I have recently fallen in love with the PNW, the place I have lived in for 24 years. The past few years have been a struggle- mainly due to the climate and feeling restless...but I can deal with it. I love being nestled in between the mountains and ocean.